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Rolling Stones call off tour after L’Wren Scott death

L'WREN SCOTT: L'Wren Scott was found dead Monday at the age of 49. Photo: Associated Press

By Lincoln Feast and Patricia Reaney

SYDNEY/NEW YORK (Reuters) – The Rolling Stones announced Tuesday afternoon that they were “calling off” their planned tour of Australia and New Zealand in light of the sudden death of L’Wren Scott, the girlfriend of lead singer Mick Jagger.

Scott, a 49-year-old fashion designer and former model, was found hanging from a scarf on Monday in her Manhattan apartment, police said, adding they were treating her death as a suicide.

A medical examination to determine the exact cause of death was set for Tuesday.

“The examination is scheduled for today and it may or may not yield a manner of death by later today,” said Julie Bolcer, a spokeswoman for the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.

Jagger, 70, said through a spokesperson he was “completely shocked and devastated”.

“I am still struggling to understand how my lover and best friend could end her life in this tragic way,” he said in a post on his official website, mickjagger.com. “She had great presence and her talent was much admired, not least by me.”

The band is asking ticket holders to keep their tickets and plans to reschedule the canceled shows, though details have not yet been released.

“Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood wish to thank all of their fans for their support at this difficult time and hope that they will fully understand the reason for this announcement,” the announcement said.

The Rolling Stones had been due to kick off a six-concert Australia and New Zealand leg of their world tour on Wednesday in Perth in western Australia.

The news of Scott’s death stunned friends, clients and fellow designers. Hollywood star Nicole Kidman, a friend of 25 years, was “heartbroken and in shock right now and unable to say anything,” her spokeswoman said.

Jagger’s daughter, Georgia May Jagger, also cancelled a planned appearance at Australia’s Melbourne Fashion Festival this week, according to local design house Camilla, for whom she was scheduled to model.

“TOTAL PERFECTIONIST”

Scott and Jagger had been dating since 2001 and were often seen at celebrity events, with the 6-foot, 3-inch tall former model towering over her rock-star boyfriend.

Scott became one of New York’s most famous designers over the last decade and was best known for her slim-fitting, sexy dresses favored by Hollywood stars.

Pop singer Madonna in a statement described Scott’s death as “horrible and tragic.” Supermodel Naomi Campbell, who knew Scott for many years, said she was the “epitome of elegance and femininity.”

Anna Wintour, Vogue editor-in-chief, also expressed her sadness.

“L’Wren was a total perfectionist, someone who absolutely embodied everything her marvelous clothes stood for: strength of character combined with a confident and powerful style,” Wintour wrote on Vogue.com.

Although Kidman, Amy Adams and Penelope Cruz were pictured in Scott’s creations on the red carpet, her company was making losses. Accounts filed with Britain’s Companies House last October show that Scott’s LS Fashion Ltd ran a loss of $5.99 million in 2012, up from $3 million euros the year before.

A publicist for Jagger said a New York Post story about a split between the two was “100 percent untrue” and “a horrible and inaccurate piece of gossip during this very tragic time for Mick.”

A single bouquet of yellow daffodils was placed in front of the glass-fronted, high-rise building in her upscale Chelsea neighborhood after Scott’s body was found on Monday.

Musician and fashion friends of the couple took to Twitter to express their grief.

“Devastated to have lost my friend,” tweeted rocker Bryan Adams, who has photographed Scott. “Rest in peace my dear I’m gonna miss you. Condolences to all that were close to her.”

Banana Republic, which had collaborated with Scott on a small holiday collection, said her death was terrible news.

“We are stunned and saddened to learn of the loss of L’Wren Scott. Our hearts and prayers go out to her friends and family,” it said.

Scott, born Luann Bambrough, was raised in Utah by adoptive parents. She started her career as a model in Paris before becoming a stylist and designer.

Her love of fashion began when she made her own clothes as a teenager, according to her website. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as a stylist and designed privately before creating her own collection.